Record Description

The collection consists of a name index and images of draft registraions cards for World War I. Three registrations were conducted between 1917 and 1918 The first was held on June 5,1917 for men between the ages of 21 and 31. The second, June 5,1918 for men 21 since the first registration and a third on September 12,1918 for men between 18 and 45. The registration includes cards for 24,000,000 men. The cards are arranged by state, by city or county,by local draft board, then alphabetical by surname.The draft registartion cards are apart of Record Group 163 Records of the Selective Service System (World War I),1917-1939 and is NARA microfilm publication M1509.

Record Content

First Registration

Second Registration

Third Registration

World War I had 3 differenct draft registrations. Each registration was slightly different. The detail are itemized with the images shown above. However, they generally included the following genealogical information:

Name

Birth date

Birthplace

Draft registration date

Sometimes the father’s birthplace

Name of the nearest relative was included in the second and third registrations

Age in years

Sex is implied, since all registrants were males

First registration indicates if married and if there were any dependents

Address

How to Use the Record

Draft registration records were created to determine eligibility for military service. Use these records to learn the date and place of birth. The information could also be used to search for a birth record and for information on parents and siblings. This is the best source of birth information for men born in states where birth registration began late. Also, use the names of spouse, dependents, and residence to look for additional records about the registrant and his family.

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